The mission of the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc. is to
promote the vegetarian ethic in the Mid-Hudson (New York) region, educate the community
and aid anyone in the pursuit of a totally vegetarian (vegan) cruelty-free and healthful
lifestyle.

Articles - Letters - and More

The Animals Come Two By Two

The Taconic Press

To The Editor:

"The Animals Come Two By Two" appeared over a photo showing
the blessing of the animals in the Oct 7 issue. Two owners of companion animals
were pictured having them blessed by a minister. I am sure all three of these
people love animals. But why is it that so many love animals called pets and
then eat animals called dinner? One of the animals shown is a rabbit, which
occupies both categories in our culture. Religious and civic organizations serve
animal flesh and name the events after the animal, roast beef dinner, pig roast.

Would a minister bless cows, chickens, pigs, lambs and rabbits
going to slaughter? Love, kindness and compassion are part of the belief system
of all religions. Yet most people and institutions ignore the severe cruelty
that the factory farming methods of today cause to animals who feel pain and
care for their young. In the hour that the blessing was happening, 1,153,000
living, breathing, feeling animals were slaughtered to provide burgers, ribs,
breasts, wings and many other muscle tissues for human consumption. (Yes, ten
billion animals are killed for food in the USA each year).

Those who love animals can consider if continuing to eat them
is consistent with their values and beliefs. If not, people have a choice to
live their values each time they choose what they will eat. Becoming vegetarian
can be a satisfying way to eat as it can be delicious and is good for our body
and spirit.